The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 hasn’t quite started the way five-time champions Mumbai Indians would have hoped. After breaking their long-standing
opening-game jinx with a convincing win over Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium, the five-time champions have stumbled, suffering back-to-back defeats against Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals in their next two matches.
While their batting has shown flashes of promise, the bowling unit has come under serious scrutiny, especially after a heavy drubbing in a rain-curtailed clash. With momentum slipping early in the tournament, the Hardik Pandya-led side will need to address key issues quickly to avoid falling behind in the playoff race.
Here are the three things Mumbai Indians must do to return to winning ways in IPL 2026:
3. Senior pros must take more responsibility
After their epic 148-run opening stand against Kolkata Knight Riders in their opening match, things have gone downhill for MI’s opening pair of Rohit Sharmaand Ryan Rickelton. The duo has failed to provide a solid start in the next two matches, which has been a major reason for their losses. Even Suryakumar Yadav is yet to make a significant contribution.
The five-time champions would also want their senior pros to take more responsibility and play according to the situation. Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya are among the finest batters in IPL history, and if MI want to bounce back, these players must step up.
2. Improve powerplay bowling
The bowling unit struggled against Rajasthan Royals, conceding 150 runs in just 11 overs, which highlighted the issues with the ball this season. Barring their match against Delhi Capitals, MI bowlers have looked ineffective in the powerplay overs in IPL 2026.
KKR came out all guns blazing against them at the Wankhede Stadium, scoring 78 runs in the powerplay. Even in the rain-affected game against RR, they conceded 59 runs in just 3.2-over powerplay. If MI want to improve the overall form, the bowlers must step up, especially in the powerplay.
1. Use Jasprit Bumrah more aggressively
Having a bowling genius like Jasprit Bumrah in the lineup is a luxury. MI must make the most of his abilities. During the rain-affected game against RR, Bumrah could have been utilised better against openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi by being given the duty to open the bowling.
However, MI went with Deepak Chahar, who conceded 22 runs in the first over. Had Bumrah opened the bowling, he could have built some early pressure. Hardik Pandya should use Bumrah more as an attacking option rather than holding him back.
